Chester, Day 3 Friday

The Ormonde Stakes, due off at 2.45 has always for some reason been a very kind betting race for me and I have to say that I am quite keen on the chance of RED GALA going very close in what I perceive as a below par renewal of the race.

Sir Michael Stoute's charge has always promised to be better at this intermediatte trip and his opening run of the campiagn can be safely consigned to the dust bin on account of the soft ground behind Regal and Royal at Newbury.

Still, that run was not a bad effort under the circumstances, being beaten barely five lengths by a horse considered a genuine Ascot Gold Cup hopeful by connections.

Back on his favoured fast ground, up in trip and with that run under his belt I fully expect this son of Derby winner Sinndar to go very close.

And the beauty of the race is he should be a price with Macarthur and the progressive Raincoat in the field. Like many of Aiden O'Brien's charges the former needed his initial run, but has always been massively overrated, while Raincoat, impressive as he was first time up would surely be better served by a bit of dig.

Half an hour earlier, Achill Island looks sure to go off fav for the Ballydoyle camp in the Dee Stakes, but looks vulnerable on this ever quickening surface to NORTH PARADE. The least exposed of these and with masses of imporvement to come he was campaigned very much with his three-year-old career in mind and this marked step up in trip for the son of Nayef looks spot on after two promising runs at a mile as a juvenile.

Prince Samos looks dangerously well handicapped in the 4.35, but is hardly the most consistent of animals and I think that STELLINO looks a well cemented each-way proposition in opposition to that enigmatic performer.

Fit from hurdling, Nicky Henderson's charge was a talented animal on the flat in his native Germany and could prove well weighted on the best of his three-year-old form.

Course specialist Stretton and Aureate are the two I fear most. The latter hails from a stable bang in form and could run well under his welter burden on ground that will suit him more than most.